Do the right thingFirst person account of reporting a fellow recruiter’s indiscretionThe following story is an example of inspired and committed leadership that makes U.S. Army Recruiting Command a prestigious and honorable assignment. The level of professional leadership practiced by this NCO reminds me of why I’m so proud to serve in our Army. I'm reassured that thanks to Soldiers like this NCO, and his commitment to doing the right thing, the future of our Army is bright!Allen Batschelet, Major General, Commander, U.S. Army Recruiting Command By AnonymousMarch 18, 2014 On February 15 this year, I did one of the single hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my life. It was without a doubt the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make. I reported a fellow recruiter, a teammate, a friend, for inappropriate behavior toward a female Future Soldier. She had been in our program for roughly three months, attending every Future Soldier function, was always involved in all aspects of training, and was friendly toward every member of the center. During her ship brief, she told me that one of the recruiters had touched her in an inappropriate manner and had made suggestive comments to her that made her feel very uncomfortable. To be honest, my immediate reaction was, “How do I make this go away without affecting anyone’s career?” It also did not help that she pleaded with me not to tell anyone; she didn’t want to see anyone get into any trouble. Once I hung up the phone with her and gave the whole situation some serious thought, I made the hard decision to contact the center commander. Some may look at this and say, “No big deal. I was just doing what I was supposed to do.” However, it’s just not that simple. I challenge any recruiter right now to look at the person sitting right beside you in the center, a person with whom you’ve shared daily conversation about family life, hobbies and time in service, and ask yourself, “Could I turn this person in and potentially ruin their career, marriage, and livelihood?” At least at my level, I think you would find it a more difficult task than you think. This isn’t a faceless Soldier who you just caught doing something wrong. I came to the decision once I started thinking about the Future Soldier. She didn’t ask for, or deserve something like this to happen to her. I became concerned that she might lose faith in Army leadership. How could I, as an NCO and leader, allow something like this to be swept under the rug? It’s my job to mentor Soldiers always to do what’s right and to always live up to the Army Values. I also took into consideration that if this Soldier hasn’t done anything wrong, he has nothing to fear. However, if he did in fact do what he’s being accused of, then he knew better and deserves whatever disciplinary action he receives. Looking back on the whole situation, I still feel somewhat guilty and have a very genuine concern for his career and family; after all, he was my Soldier for the past seven months. It’s hard to not feel like you’re in some way responsible for what happens to a Soldier when you make a decision such as this. Nevertheless, when I think back through my 13-year Army career, my five years in USAREC, and about what I’ve learned at every Army school I’ve ever attended, I remember that doing the right thing always trumps personal feelings. If there is anything that someone facing a similar situation takes away, I hope it is this: “Yes, sometimes doing what’s in the best interest of the Army and doing the right thing can be very difficult. However, in the long run, it’s our job and our DUTY to make the right decisions. We have to take care of the future of our Army and make sure Future Soldiers know the Army cares about them and their well-being. They should have no reason not to trust their leaders.”